INTRODUCTION TO ROTARY MULTITOOLS
In this article I would like to describe the rotary multitools. I will frequently use the Dremel 300 and it's accessories as an example, but it's not a review of this particular product.
High-speed rotary multitools come in many different variants (corded, cordless, with analog or digital controls etc). The basic idea behind them is using very high rotary speed (up to 40000 rpm) instead of high torque for sanding, cutting, drilling etc.
Thanks to their variable high speed, exchangeable bits and their relatively small size - they are more precise and versatile than regular power tools and are a "must have" in the workshop of any serious RC modeler.
Dremel and Proxxon brands are the best, and because you will want maximum performance and precision I wouldn't recommend the (much) cheaper knock-offs you'll frequently find in the discount and DIY stores (it also applies to most of the accessories). I've found out that many RC modelers prefer Proxxon over Dremel and there's a reason for that - Proxxon multitools are in my opinion better suited for modelers - for example - their Micromot FBS series of multitools are factory equipped with keyless chuck capable of holding 0.3-3.2 mm accessories, while on new models of the Dremel tools you have to buy it as a separate accessory. It also seems that their built quality is a bit better but they are more expensive at the same time. On the other hand Dremel tools - thanks too more powerful motors, higher rotary speeds and wider array of attachments - are more flexible if you plan to use them for tougher jobs in your household or in the garage.
I owned some cheap multitool before - it didn't lasted long. In fact I didn't even finished the project before I burned the speed controls. I'm using the Dremel 300 for second year now. I used it for polishing the alloy wheels on my Camaro and I even cutted the 4 mm steel door frames with it - a job for much bigger tool, not to mention all of the work on my models and it's still almost as good as new.
So as long as you stick to the quality brands - the choice is yours.
DREMEL 300
The "300" I'm using is a basic, corded multitool that offers a wide range of speeds - from 10000 to 33000 rpm. It's compatible with the Dremel accessories and most of the accessories from other brands. It has analog speed control and comfortable rubber grip. You can buy Dremel multitools with different accessory packs - with a basic bits or with additional equipment like the flexible shaft.
I'll give you a tip here - buy as rich kit as you can afford, because this way you'll save money later. Dremel and Proxxon use the same business model - most of their profit comes the accessories, so they aren't cheap. They were out pretty quickly too so you can spend a lot of money on them. So if you want to buy a multitool - look for the one with a plenty of additional accessories (Dremel tools are frequently sold with a free "bonus" accessory sets).
ATTACHMENTS
Multitools can be equipped with a wide range of various attachments - from the workstations/drill stands with an integrated press (for drilling perfectly vertical holes), through a different clamps, holders and project tables to the cutting attachments and the flexible shaft. Unlike accessories - attachments of one brand are not compatible with another. Below you will find some basic information about some of the attachments. Refer to the Dremel's and the Proxxon's websites for more info.
FLEXIBLE SHAFT
Thanks to it's grip's small dimensions the flexible shaft offers you much
better control over the tool's spindle and allows you to work on a hard to reach places. It's a "must have" for repairing or rebuilding wooden models. It also decreases the load on the front bearing of your multitool allowing it to last longer.
All of the brands (even the cheap ones) sell the flexible shaft attachment - often together with the multitool - and this is something you want to look for.
Picture: The Flexible Shaft's small handgrip makes working in the tight areas much easier...
RIGHT ANGLE ATTACHMENTS
Designed to use accessories in right angle for hard to reach places. With this attachment you can also turn your multitool into the micro angle cutter or angle grinder. It's not a "must have", but may come in handy in some situations (like working on the interior of your model). As far as I know it's Dremel-exclusive attachment.
LINE AND CIRCLE CUTTER
With this attachment you can cut or route perfect lines and circles in wood, laminate, hard plastics, and even in drywalls. Again - it's handy but not a "must have". Dremel-exclusive as well.
MULTIPURPOSE CUTTING KIT
It's a "must have" as it allows you to easily cut wood (plywood), laminate, hard plastics and more up to 19 mm of material thickness. Very useful for cutting out multicopter center plates, motor mounts and other flat parts. This is Dremel-exclusive attachment too.
Picture: Dremel Multipurpose Cutting Kit
SHAPER/ROUTER TABLE AND
Converts your tool into a router table for precise routing, shaping and sanding. It's an alternative for the Multipurpose Cutting Kit described above but won't do the job in some situations (cutting thicker materials). Again - Dremel-exclusive.
MINI SAW
Transforms your Dremel tool into a precision circular saw for fine, clear and straight cuts in all sorts of wood. Perfect for laminate, hard plastic and wood plates. The safety guard and lower guard make it safe to use the circular saw blade. The guide allows to make straight cuts.
ACCESSORIES
There is a wide range of multitool accessories to suit all your needs. Below you'll find a list of the equipment that I find the most useful in our hobby. Most of the accessories are interchangeable as the standard shaft diameter is similar (3,2 mm for Dremel and 3 mm for Proxxon) - you don't really need to use the original equipment (you can even use some of the cheap, "chinese" knock-off accessories,
not all of them are as worthless as it may seem - but more on that later).
KEYLESS CHUCK
It's a must have if you plan to use your multitool with the bits that don't have standard shaft diameter. Proxxon Micromot FBS multitool is factory-equipped with Keyless Chuck, but for the Dremel tools you have to buy it as a separate accessory (they come equipped with a basic steel collets). And believe me - you should buy it. This way you can equip your multitool with a drill bits and accessories of many different brands, and you won't even need to use a wrench to replace the bits. This not only safes your time, but also - your money. Buy the original chuck dedicated for your multitool.
Picture: Keyless Multi Chuck is a "must have" accessory...
DRILL BIT SETS
With Keyless Chuck described above you can use wide range of drilling bits - Proxxon and Dremel sells their own sets of a good quality drilling bits for wood and metal but your choice isn't limited to them. The wood drilling bits of both makers use the standard shaft diameter, but for the metal drilling bits (that you will need also for drilling in plastics and laminate) you will need the Keyless Multi Chuck.
TUNGSTEN CARBIDE CUTTERS
Good for shaping, smoothing and material removal. Use them on hardened and stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, hard plastics, hardwoods and other hard materials. Sold only by Dremel.
CUTTING DISCS
Probably the best know accessory is the cutting disc. Small thin discs of abrasive material are the very fast and easy way to cut even the hardest materials like a brushless motor shafts or the steel wire. Keep in mind they are very brittle and sharp as razor - always use the safety goggles to protect your eyes and keep your fingers away from the spindle as they'll cut your finger bones in no time.
Picture: Knock-Off Cutting Discs (on the right) may look the same, but their quality is far worse...
There are also fiberglass reinforced cutting discs and thicker, bigger cutting discs for harder jobs. Dremel sells specialized, carbide-coated discs for cutting the wood. Plastic-cutting discs are also available. Proxxon on the other hand sells discs made of spring steel ideal for cutting wood, plastic and soft metal. I don't recommend buying some cheap knock-off cutting discs. They are even more brittle than the originals, and can "explode" even when used properly. One exception are the spring steel discs - they are pretty good for their price.
SPIRAL CUTTING BITS
The multipurpose cutting bits for cutting wood, plastic, fiberglass and laminate. It's best to use them with multipurpose cutting kit (for guiding them correctly). Sold only under Dremel's brand.
CIRCULAR SAW
Very good accessory for cutting wood and ply wood. Dremel sells it as an accessory for their mini saw attachment only, Proxxon doesn't sell it at all. But I've found some chinese circular saw accessory (not bad for it's price).
Picture: Knock-Off Spring Steel discs and Circular Saw are pretty good for their price...
SANDING BANDS, DISCS AND FLAPWHEELS
Another widely known accessories are sanding bands. Use them for sanding rough edges and surface of plywood, laminate, plastics etc. They come in various grits. Sanding bands are a standard equipment even on the cheap multitools but the
original bands are way better and last longer than the knock-offs.
Picture: Knock-Off Sanding Bands (on the right) look like the originals but the quality isn't the same...
OTHER ACCESSORIES
There are also bits for buffing, polishing, engraving etc. Please refer to Dremel's and Proxxon's websites for more information on the accessories you can use with the multitools.
SAFETY
Stay safe when working with the multitools - maybe they are small, but very sharp bits and high rotary speed may cause severe injures. Always wear safety glasses and keep your hand away from the working area. Wear the mask when cutting
fiber-glass and carbon-fiber laminates. Replace the bits only when the power cord is disconnected (or battery is out of the multitool). Use only a sharp and undamaged bits.
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